I'm starting to look for one of these, and I would like to know what y'all think.
I don't want a truck that is older than 1990, or newer than 2006. I want one that will have an extended cab, and be able to tow lawn trailers, portable sawmills, haybales, etc.
I want one that will have decent gas mileage, which will probably mean a newer truck, but I also like the simplicity of the older trucks, as far as less computerization, as well as the OBS.
What Truck do you think would be a fit for me? is there some kind of compromise between old and new? Which one would be most reliable? Thank you!

 

For your needs, a truck from the mid-90s to early 2000s could be a good balance. You get some modern features, but they’re still simpler than newer trucks.

You might want to check out:

Ford F-250/F-350 (1994-2006): Good for towing and reliable. The 7.3L diesel engine (until 2003) is known for durability, though fuel mileage might not be the best.

Chevy/GMC 2500 (1990s-2000s): These trucks have solid towing capacity and can be easier to maintain than newer models. Look for one with a 6.5L diesel for decent fuel economy.

Dodge Ram 2500 (1994-2006): The Cummins diesel engine (especially the 5.9L) is highly reliable and great for towing, with okay fuel efficiency for its size.

These trucks have extended cab options and will handle towing well. They’re also a good mix of old-school simplicity and modern capability. Look for a well-maintained one, and it should be reliable for what you need.